Brown v. Board Of Education
Celebrating 50 Years: May 17, 2004
(Photo credit: Kansas State Historical Society, Copy and Reuse Restrictions Apply 
)
On May 17, 2004, courts throughout the nation will observe the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education. This landmark decision declared racial segregation in public education unconstitutional, and marked the beginning of dramatic legal, educational, and social changes in the United States. The unanimous opinion was authored by Chief Justice Earl Warren, former Governor of California.
California Chief Justice Ronald M. George last year appointed a statewide working group to honor this historic decision. The Chief's working group, chaired by Presiding Justice Candace D. Cooper of the Second Appellate District, Division Eight, developed a series of events to educate the public and the courts about the importance of this decision and the judicial branch of government. Highlights of those events follow:
The Long Walk to Freedom Historical Exhibit, April 26-May 17, Hiram W. Johnson State Office Building, Great Hall, 455 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco. This interactive exhibit will focus on the civil rights movement.
Satellite Broadcast to California Courts, April 27. Hundreds of judges and court staff watched this hour-long panel discussion on the past, present, and future of Brown v. Board of Education, during a special broadcast to California courts. The program was made possible by the Education Division of the Administrative Office of the Courts.
Statewide Symposium on Brown v. Board of Education, May 17, Sacramento Convention Center. This all-day event will feature a series of panels and well-known speakers. Hundreds of judges, attorneys, court officials, and community leaders are expected to attend. Click here for registration information and to view complete agenda (PDF).
Links and Resources
Brown v. Board of Education Timeline
National Public Radio: Brown v. Board of Education
ABA Public Education site on Brown v. Board of Education
ABA Dialogue on Brown v. Board of Education (PDF)
This eight-page brochure has detailed information on the Brown decision, with tips on starting a dialogue in schools and communities.
Biography of Earl Warren (PDF, 87 KB)
Biography of Thurgood Marshall (PDF, 80 KB)
Statewide Calendar of Events
May, Santa Clara County
Law Day Poster Contest
Superior Court of Santa Clara County
Students were invited to submit posters on this year's Law Day theme: "To Win Equality by Law: Brown v. Board at 50." All entries are on display at courthouses this month. Prizes will be presented to winners at their schools during the week of May 10.
Contact: Debra F. Hodges, Director of Special Projects, 408-882-2717
May 1
Law Day USA
Brown v. Board of Education
Sponsored by the American Bar Association
Check with local bar associations, courts, and school districts for related programs.
May 4, Alameda County
Law Day Ceremony, 10:30 a.m.
Alameda Board of Supervisors Chambers
Sponsored by Superior Court of Alameda County and the Board of Supervisors
1221 Oak Street, Oakland
Contact: James Brighton, 510-272-5093
May 5, Sacramento County
Baseball, Law Day, and Brown
Law Day events at Sacramento’s Raley Field, home of the Pacific Coast League’s River Cats. Formal Brown v. Board ceremony and Law Day poster give-away.
Sponsored by Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, and Sacramento trial court judges.
May 6, Orange County
Brown v. Board of Education Ceremony, 10 a.m.
Four hundred eighth-grade students will attend court ceremony, including flag-raising, music by Marin Corps Band, and courthouse tours.
Sponsored by Superior Court of Orange County; Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District; and U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California
Old Orange County Courthouse
211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana
Contact: Carole Levitzky, public information officer, at 714-834-7623
May 17
Brown v. Board of Education Symposium: "Yesterday, Day, and Tomorrow"
Sacramento Convention Center, Sacramento
To register, call the Administrative Office of the Courts, Education Division/CJER at 415-865-7745.
Online registration
May 17-21, Sacramento County
Judges of the Superior Court of Sacramento County will make presentations on the importance of the Brown v. Board decision to local high school history and government classes.
Contact: Pam Reynolds, Administrative Analyst, Court Executive Office
916-874-6488, reynolp@saccourt.com
May 17-21, Siskiyou County
Superior Court of Siskiyou County is displaying Law Day posters in the courthouse lobby. The court executive officer has given presentations to service organizations. Students will visit the court and law library. On May 17, the courthouse will play a video and offer with free Law Day materials to the public.
Contact: Sheila Kuck, skuck@siskiyou.courts.ca.gov
May 18, Solano County
Dinner Celebration Honoring Brown v. Board of Education
Keynote speaker: Supreme Court Associate Justice Ming Chin. Special Guest: Mayrene Bates, Solano County Board of Education. Historical exhibits are on display at courthouses in Fairfield and Vallejo this month.
Contact: Patti Wallace, Superior Court Executive's Office, 707-421-7829 or PWallace@solanocounty.com, or RSVP to Solano County Bar Association at 707-422-5087/0127 by May 7.
May 29
Forum on Brown v. Board of Education and the African-American Student
Sacramento City College Auditorium, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
3835 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento
Sponsored by Sacramento Branch of the NAACP
David De Luz, President
For more information: 916-447-8716
Exhibitions
February 5-July 31
"Through the Gates: Brown v. Board of Education"
California African American Museum*
600 State Drive, Los Angeles
213-744-7432
* Museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays
April 26-May 17
The Long Walk to Freedom Exhibit
Hiram W. Johnson State Office Building, Great Hall
455 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco
